Day 2: July 8, 2062 | 1145 Hours | Base S09 Indoor Firing Range

"Do I really need to pick out a shotgun and an MG?" Juno asked Kalina as they made their way to the indoor firing range.

"It's policy for all non-T-Doll employees to have a personal loadout that consists of one of each weapon type." Kalina explained. "Besides, don't you get trained in the academy to operate very type of weapon?"

Juno rubbed her shoulder, remembering the times she fired the more unwieldy weapons for someone her size. "Just because I trained with them and passed doesn't mean I like to use them."

"Tell me that when you have to fight an aegis unit with a handgun." Kalina gave Juno a smirk before stopping at a pair of doors. "Ah, here we are."

Kalina opened the doors to reveal a sizeable firing range. To the left were ten firing lanes which could accommodate for two echelons worth of T-Dolls. On the right-hand side stood a few lockers and benches, but the thing that caught Juno's interest were five vending machines. Two of them were like your usual vending machines, containing a wide variety of snacks and drinks.

However, the other three were more unique because instead of snacks and drinks, the machines had boxes of ammunition. The three vending machines were marked to indicate the type of ammo they dispensed: HG/SMG, AR/RF/MG, and SG. Juno thought it was a rather clever idea and couldn't help but admire the set up. At one of the firing lanes, G36, MP40, and several other T-Dolls stood waiting for them.

"Huh, looks like we have an audience today," Kalina said.

Juno nervously waved at the crowd eagerly watching her approach the table of weapons G36 and MP40 stood behind. Most of them were the Junior Model T-Dolls, whose appearance looked like that of children.

"Sorry, Master. But I was unable to disperse them." G36 said when Juno and Kalina arrived at the table.

"That's ok, Miss G36. I think it'll be good for everyone to see that their commander knows how to fire a gun." Juno told her.

MP40 stood at attention with a tablet in hand. "Hello, Commander. You'll be choosing your loadout starting from your handgun, a submachine gun, an assault rifle, a shotgun, and finally a machine gun."

Juno looked at the table and noticed a few of the firearms were the same ones some of the T-Dolls on base were named after. She made sure to keep her voice quiet when she spoke to Kalina. "You think some of them are anticipating me to choose them?"

"Probably, but I'm sure they'll understand that you have your own tastes." Kalina reassured her.

"Hopefully." Juno didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

"So, which handgun do you want to try out?" MP40 asked.

"I already have my own," Juno said followed by disappointed sighs from all the handgun dolls in the crowd.

"If you ask me, I'd rather take a handgun that a revolver." Kalina picked up the HK P8 on the table.

Juno looked down at the six-shooter in her shoulder holster. "You do you, Miss Kalina. I'll take my dad's .38 over any handgun."

MP40 nodded and moved on to the next set of weapons. "So, which SMG do you want to try out?"

Juno examined the several options on the table, picking them up and getting an overall feel for them. She went from a PP-19 Vityaz, a Scorpion Evo, and an FMG-9 before finally settling with the MP5. The moment she picked it up, Juno heard a gasp of joy come from the audience. She turned to the crowd and saw a rather short, white-haired girl looking at her with teal eyes full of excitement. She wore a sleeveless dress with a red tie and beret. Juno recognized her form the dossiers and gave the little T-Doll a smile and wave. The MP5 was her preferred SMG during combat drills for it was a classic and very reliable firearm.

Setting up in the firing lane, Juno put on her earmuffs, loaded a magazine, released the charging handle, disengaged the safety, and aimed down the lane. She took a deep breath before pulling the trigger in bursts so she can manage the recoil from the gun. Once the sound of gunfire was replaced with the click of an empty magazine, Juno engaged the safety and looked at the results of her shooting. Most of the shots landed directly at the head of the target and the audience gave her a round of applause. She turned around and gave them a thankful bow of the head.

Juno walked back and handed MP40 the SMG. "Very impressive, Commander. Now, next will be your choice of assault rifle."

"Judging from your performance, you could compete with a T-Doll," Kalina said.

"Paper targets don't shoot back." Juno pointed out as she looked over the assault rifles before picking up a Ruger SR-556. "I think I'll give this one a try."

…

Juno rolled her right shoulder as she left the firing range with Kalina and MP40. Firing several shotguns and MGs right after each other made her shoulder feel tender and sore. The discomfort she felt when firing the heavier hitting weapons is one of the reasons why she preferred to handle smaller firearms. At least an MP5 wouldn't turn her shoulder into a punching bag.

"So, just to double check I have everything right." MP40 looked down at her tablet. "An MP5, a SR-556, a R700, an M870, and a Stoner 63."

"That is correct." Juno confirmed.

"Ok then, if that is all, I shall place the order for your ammunition." MP40 told her.

"Thank you, Miss 40." Juno waved goodbye.

Kalina nudged Juno's arm with her elbow. "You handled those big guns pretty well."

"I think I'll stick with the small guns for now." Juno groaned as she massaged her shoulder.

"Maybe you should take advantage of the base's gym." Kalina flexed her arm and patted her bicep.

"I'll see if I have the time to fit a training routine." Juno continued rubbing her shoulder.

Kalina checked the time on her watch. "Hmm… Maybe we can take a dip in the hot spring to soothe those aches of yours."

Juno pursed her lips at the suggestion. "I think I'll pass."

"Why? You don't want me to see you naked?" Kalina playfully asked.

"I prefer no one to see me naked." Juno started to walk away.

Kalina quickly jumped in front of her, "C'mon, Commander! I promise no one will be there. The girls usually head there at the end of the day."

"Are you sure?" Juno looked warily at her, but Kalina smiled and nodded confidently which slightly eased any reservations she had, "Alright, alright. I'll go."

Kalina fist bumped the air. "Woohoo! Let's go!"